DraftKings just became its own exchange. The company launched DKeX, a proprietary prediction markets platform that lets it list and manage event contracts directly, without relying on outside designated contract markets to handle the plumbing.
DKeX is now a CFTC-registered Designated Contract Market, which means DraftKings can self-certify its own sports event contract templates with the federal regulator. The first batch of those filings went through around May 22.
From broker to exchange operator
DraftKings launched its Predictions app back on December 19, 2025, initially operating as a CFTC-registered Introducing Broker. At launch, the Predictions platform relied on third-party designated contract markets like CME Group and Crypto.com to actually execute trades.
As a full Designated Contract Market, DraftKings can now list its own event contracts covering moneylines, point spreads, and player props, all under one federal framework. CEO Jason Robins had targeted Q2 2026 for this exact milestone, and the company delivered on schedule.
